Rachael and Eric were married at the Four Seasons Rancho Escantado Resort in Santa Fe, N.M. on September 20. “We looked for a while for the venue,” Rachael said. “It was the most difficult detail to lock down. We knew we wanted a small wedding, and we wanted to feel like we eloped. When we saw the Four Seasons Rancho Escantado and spoke with their amazing staff, we knew our destination wedding, at home, would be possible. We stayed the whole weekend, and enjoyed having people in one place for three days. It was calm and magical; the grounds make any occasion.” The bride wore a v-neck lace fit ‘n’ flare wedding gown with capped sleeves and an illusion back, accessorized with her hair half-up/half-down in loose curls, floor-length veil, and a pair of t-strap high heels, while the groom wore a black tuxedo, accessorized with a bow tie. “That’s the best part of our wedding, no moment out shined any other,” she said. “We were totally present and in the company of our closest family and friends. I think about all the moments equally. The morning of our wedding day, I took a yoga class at the studio where a few joined me. Eric swam in the pool and soaked in the hot tub and others took the kids for a hike. Everyone was in their element because we were. We had a team of professionals we enlisted and trusted, which means NOT micromanaging.” Once the exchanging of vows were sealed with a kiss, it was official, almost 25 witnessing. Cocktail hour began on the courtyard followed by the reception shortly thereafter. Tables were decorated with ivory linens, white napkins, lace runners, metal centerpieces filled with baby’s breath, lavender, and dusty miller, surrounded by upholstered chairs. “Eric and I decided to pick out gifts for each person individually and give a card with each gift explaining why we chose that present for them,” Rachael said. “We handed out the gifts as a way of thanking these special ones for sharing in our journey with us. That’s the beauty of a small wedding, you love and cherish your guests. Weddings are a personal experience and an intimate attendance represents that.” A three-tiered cake was cut concluded the five-course dinner. The newlyweds’ best advice? “Throw a party that you would want to be at,” she said. “We did what we wanted in the way we wanted. We reduced our guest list to be able to afford the details and elegance important to us. It was all about being in the moment and enjoying the party. Whenever I had a difficult time with details, Eric always reminded me that we were just throwing a party. Thinking of it this way helped me to step out of the ‘I have to’ and into the ‘I want to.'” At the end of the night, they jumped into the pool. How fun!

Julia and Seth were married at Los Poblanos Inn in Albuquerque, N.M. on May 9. “It captured the many facets of New Mexico’s beauty in one location,” Julia said. The bride wore a lace fit ‘n’ flare wedding gown with a plunging v-neck, accessorized with a floor-length veil and a pair of rhinestone-infused bow pumps, while the groom wore a dark gray suit, accessorized with a solid necktie. Don’t they look like fashion models! Bridesmaids wore short pale blue chiffon dresses and carried bouquets of garden roses, peonies, and succulents. Before the ceremony, the couple opted for a first look. “Seeing the faces of the people I hold nearest and dearest to my heart as I walked toward and down the aisle with my dad was my favorite moment,” she said. Following the exchange of vows and rings underneath enormous cottonwood trees, Seth couldn’t help but show his excitement by fist pumping. The newlyweds’ best advice? “Make sure you really like your vendors,” Julia said. “You will be working with them A LOT. We lucked out with phenomenal ones, which made the planning experience that much more enjoyable.” The reception was held outside on the fireplace terrace. Tables were decorated with white linens, glass jar centerpieces, and sprigs of lavender at each place setting’s menu card. Fun fact: It symbolizes love and devotion. In addition to dancing to the sounds of Vanilla Pop in the grand ballroom, there was also a garter and bouquet toss. The cake cutting went off without a hitch – no smearing in each other’s faces — and at the end of the night, they exited amongst a sea of sparklers ready for their honeymoon road trip to Alaska.

Braiden and Tom were married at The Club at Las Campanas in Santa Fe, N.M. on September 15. “The day flowed nicely from one event to the next as guests moved from the equestrian center to cocktails at an adjacent log cabin and then back to the prized horse stables for dinner,” Erin of Veira Photographics said. The bride wore a breathtaking blush mermaid wedding gown, accessorized with her hair down in loose curls, while the groom wore a white button down, black blazer and bow tie, and jeans (yes, jeans!). Bridesmaids even went casual with cowboy boots. The Ralph Lauren-inspired reception was decorated with rustic farm tables, table runners, centerpieces filled with roses, dahlias, and berries, and crystal chandeliers above. “The couple used a motif of flying pigs throughout the decor too to add a special personal touch as well as a bit of lighthearted humor,” she said. You’ll spot our favorite one on the cake!